As a name, Blaech was often interchangeable with Black in early times. Both names are thought to be derived from Old English words such as "bloec" or "blac," which meant "black," or from the Old English "blac," which surprisingly could mean "pale." Early forms of the surname Black have existed in Britain since the 10th century.

Blaech Early Origins

The surname Blaech was first found in Devon where they held a family seat from very ancient times, and Walter le Blake was recorded in the Pipe Rolls for the region in 1167. However some of the family moved far north to Twizell in Northumberland, about 10 miles from Berwick. "Twizell Castle, a fine though unfinished castellated mansion of the Blakes, is seated on a rocky precipice, surrounded by extremely picturesque scenery; and near it is Tillmouth House, the present residence of the family." [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.

Blaech Spelling Variations

Blaech Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Blaech include Blake, Blaik and others.

Blaech Early Notables (pre 1700)

Blaech Early Notables (pre 1700)

Distinguished members of the family include Admiral Robert Blake (1559-1657), born in Bridgewater, considered the greatest English admiral after Nelson; Thomas Blake (c.1597-1657), an English clergyman and controversialist; Robert Blake (1598-1657), one of the most important military commanders of the Commonwealth of England, one of the most famous...

Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Blaech Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blaech In Ireland

Blaech In Ireland

Some of the Blaech family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 273 words (20 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Blaech were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: William Blake who came from Essex, England, sailed on the "Mary and John" in 1630 and settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Abigail Blake, who was a child sent from hospital in England to Virginia in 1633.

The Blaech Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Blaech Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.